Stain removing device and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A stain removing device cleans a stained area of fabric while encapsulating the stained area to prevent the remainder of the fabric from getting wet. The stain removing device provides effective cleaning while also being low cost and portable. The stain removing device may be used where fabric cleaning facilities or equipment are not available, and does not require electrical power. The stain removing device includes an enclosure and cover for encapsulating a stained area of fabric, and contains cleaning elements therein which may be propelled manually or by water flow from a tap, faucet or other water source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/219,403, filed Sep. 16, 2015 and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/219,046, filed Sep. 15, 2015.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to textile cleaning and in particular to stainremoving devices and methods for cleaning clothing, fabric and othertextiles.

Related Art

Various patents describe apparatus directed to removing stains onclothing through mechanical means and chemicals. These patents generallydisclose the concept of applying a cleaning fluid to a stained area toremove a stain. The cleaning fluid may be water or water with somechemical agents such as detergents. Movement of the fabric causes thecleaning fluid to be absorbed by the fabric to lift a stain. Rinsingaway or otherwise removing the cleaning fluid after the cleaning agenthas lifted some of the staining material completes the cleaning process.

U.S. Pat. No. 656,802 describes a piston system where a fluid ismanually pushed through a stained fabric. U.S. Pat. No. 2,552,853describes a syringe apparatus that forces fluid through a stained fabricwhile keeping the wet area to a minimum size. U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,180describes a vacuum cleanser having an applicator that applies cleaningfluid and suction at its nozzle to clean a particular area of fabric.U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,163 describes a stain cleaning enclosure with abrush that is operated manually. Fluid may be introduced onto scrubsurface with a squeeze bottle. U.S. Pat. No. 7,536,745 describes anapparatus for spot cleaning fabric by getting a fluid to go through thestain.

Some commercial stain removers that clean small stains also exist. Theseproducts are basically chemicals that are applied on the stained areaand react with the stain to make it less visible For example, TIDE TOGOinstant stain remover operates in this manner. Also, U.S. Pat. No.8,709,099 describes a fluid cleaning agent and surfactant package thatis applied to a stain. In general, such solutions do not work on allstains (e.g., ketchup, oil, sauce, jam, and the like).

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that thepresent invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the priorart while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits notcontemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A stain removing device that primarily uses water pressure and flow and,optionally, detergent to clean the stain is disclosed. In general, thestain removing device comprises an enclosure that surrounds andencapsulates a stained area of fabric. The enclosure is then closed,providing a somewhat watertight volume around the stained area toprevent the remainder of the fabric from getting wet. The stain removingdevice is especially advantageous in circumstances where washingfacilities or not convenient or available. In addition, theencapsulation of stained fabric improves drying time once cleaning iscomplete. The stain removing device does not require an electrical powersource and may be constructed in various sizes, including portablesizes.

Various stain removing devices and methods relating to the same aredisclosed herein. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment a stainremoving device comprises an enclosure and a cover. The enclosurecomprises a rigid portion having an orifice, a resilient portionopposite the orifice, and a detergent compartment attached to theresilient portion. The cover comprises a top end, a bottom end, and oneor more water inlets at the top end. At least the bottom end of thecover has a peripheral shape that corresponds to the orifice so that thecover can enclose the enclosure.

The detergent compartment may be enclosed with a cap. The cap maycomprise one or more holes, one or more protrusions or both. Inaddition, the detergent compartment may be formed from one or morehelicoid springs. A ledge may be formed in the enclosure to engage acover. The enclosure and the cover may be cylindrical, and the resilientportion may be dome shaped. A wall may be around the water inlets toprevent spillage when water is poured into the water inlets.

In another exemplary embodiment, a stain removing device comprises anenclosure comprising an orifice and a resilient portion, a detergentcompartment within the enclosure and attached to the resilient portion,a cap at the detergent compartment, and a cover that encloses theorifice, wherein the cover is removable from the orifice.

One or more holes may be in the cap, one or more protrusions may extendfrom the cap or both. The detergent compartment may comprise one or morehelicoid springs. In addition, the cover may comprise one or more waterinlets. A ledge along an interior wall of the enclosure may be providedto engage the cover. Also, the resilient portion may be dome shaped.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of removing a stain with astain removing device is disclosed, with such method comprisingpositioning a stained area of a fabric at an orifice of an enclosure ofthe stain removing device, and enclosing the orifice of the enclosurewith a cover. The fabric is held between the cover and a portion theenclosure when the enclosure is enclosed with the cover. The method alsoincludes pouring water into one or more water inlets of the cover, andactuating a resilient portion of the enclosure. Actuating the resilientportion moves a detergent compartment towards and away from the stainedarea of the fabric to clean the stained area. The water may be pouredout of the water inlets after actuating the resilient portion of theenclosure.

The fabric is typically held between a bottom edge of the cover and aledge of the enclosure when the orifice of the enclosure is enclosedwith the cover. The detergent compartment may be opened to add detergentinto the detergent compartment. The detergent compartment may comprise acap having one or more holes, one or more protrusions or both. Thedetergent compartment may comprise one or more helicoid springs.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary stain removing device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary enclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary agitator;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary cover;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary stain removing device;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary stain removing device;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary stain removingdevice;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplary stainremoving device;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an exemplary stain removing device;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary enclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary detergent compartment cap;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view and a bottom view of an exemplary cover;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an exemplary stain removing device; and

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplary stainremoving device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

Clothing stains caused by food, drinks, or other substances are commonand may occur where a washing machine is unavailable. Hand washing usingtap water and soap is the relied upon. This is cumbersome, timeconsuming and tends to wet a large area of the clothing. In addition,such cleaning may be ineffective.

The stain removing device disclosed herein makes the stain removalprocess quicker and easier, and provides cleaning primarily using waterpressure and flow. The stain removing device will typically clean asmall area of fabric quickly and without wetting an area much largerthan the stain itself. The stain removing device is especiallyadvantageous for those away from home or away from a change of clothes.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a stain removing device 104 may comprise anenclosure 116, a water inlet 108 to receive water flow, and a wateroutlet 112. A water inlet 108 may be a fluid conduit and may havevarious diameters, including diameters to fit common faucets, taps,hoses or other water sources. Also, a water inlet 108 may have aflexible or resilient tip (i.e., distal end), for example made of rubberor another flexible plastic material, that may also or alternatively becone shaped or tapered to connect to a wide range of water sources.

A water outlet 112 allows water to exit the stain removing device 104after it has circulated through the device or has otherwise been “used.”It is contemplated that a water outlet 112 need not be very long or beconnected to a drain or the like since the cleaning operation willtypically occur at a sink. The water outlet 112 is dimensioned to keepenough water inside the enclosure 116 during operation so adequatecleaning can occur. In other words, a water outlet 112 may be largeenough to keep water circulating, while being small enough to keep waterfrom immediately flowing out of the enclosure without staying in contactwith a stain. In some embodiments, a water outlet 112 has an increaseddiameter relative to the water inlet 108 to let more water out so thestain removing device 104 is not filled with water.

A detergent compartment 124 may be attached to the enclosure 116 andhold detergent, in pellet or liquid form. It is contemplated thatvarious soaps, such as bathroom or hand soap, may be used in someembodiments. A detergent compartment 124 will typically be in fluidcommunication with the enclosure 116. For example, a permeable wall(e.g., a grid or mesh), one or more openings or the like may be at aproximal end of the detergent compartment 124 to permit water to mixwith the detergent therein. The detergent compartment 124 may be openedto allow detergent to be placed therein. For example, a detergentcompartment 124 may have a door or removable cover, or be removable froman enclosure 116. Alternatively, a detergent compartment 124 may belocated in, or along, a water inlet 108, so that detergent therein isconstantly exposed to the water flow during cleaning.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the enclosure 116 may contain an agitator136, which may comprise a turbine or shaft 128 having one or more blades120, that are propelled or rotated by water flow to gently rub a stainedfabric. The blades 120 are primarily provided to agitate and move wateracross and through a stained fabric. In some embodiments, one or moreblades 120 may also brush a stained fabric. Various numbers and shapesof blades 120 may be used.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the ends of a shaft 128 may engagecorresponding detents 132 or the like to rotatably mount the agitator136 to the enclosure 116. As can be seen, detents 132 may be at oppositesides of an enclosure 116. It is noted that the inside surface of theenclosure 116 may be shaped, such as the curved “pill” shape shown inFIG. 1, to facilitate fluid circulation to increase cleaning efficiencyas well. For example, the interior of an enclosure 116 may have varioustextures or protrusions to facilitate fluid circulation relative to astained fabric.

It is contemplated that some embodiments of the stain removing device104 will not include an agitator 136. In such embodiments, the interiorsurface of an enclosure 116 may be designed to maximize the water flowat and through the stained fabric, without using a rotating agitator136. In such embodiments, cleaning relies only upon water flow,detergent or both as there are no moving parts inside the enclosure 116.

An enclosure 116 also comprises an opening or orifice 152 that may bedefined by an edge or rim 140. One or more grooves 148 may be formedalong the rim 140, such as to hold one or more gaskets, O-rings or otherseals 144. A corresponding cover 404, such as shown in FIG. 4, isprovided to enclose the orifice 152 tightly. A cover 404 may comprise awall 408 that extends around its periphery. One or more grooves 412 maybe formed at the inner surface of the wall 408 to receive the seal 144of the enclosure 116. It is noted that a cover 404 may have one or moreof its own gaskets, O-rings or other seals. In operation, the stainedarea of a fabric may be positioned at the orifice 152 of an enclosure116 of the stain removing device 104. Thereafter, a cover 404 may bepushed onto the enclosure 116 to fit around the rim 140 of the enclosureand squeeze the stained fabric therebetween. This tightly seals theorifice 152 of the enclosure 116 helping to prevent the fabric outsidethe enclosure from getting overly wet during cleaning. Once cleaning iscomplete, the cover 404 may be removed to release the fabric. This alsoopens the enclosure 116 to allow its interior to be cleaned and dried.

As can be seen, an enclosure 116 holds the rotating agitator 136 andcontains the water, detergent and the stained fabric during cleaning. Acover 404 can open or close the enclosure 116. When closed, theenclosure 116 is at least somewhat water tight, while also not squeezingthe fabric too tightly. A closed enclosure 116 does not need to becompletely waterproof but will keep water from flowing freely to wet thefabric outside the enclosure. Alternatively or in addition, it iscontemplated that a clamp may be used to press the cover 404 against theenclosure 116 to secure the cover thereto during cleaning.

The stain removing device 104 may take several forms. As shown anddescribed above, a stain removing device 104 may have an agitator withstraight blades 120. In an alternate embodiment, a stain removing device104 may have a helicoid agitator 136, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Itis contemplated that other blade configurations may also be used, suchas to maximize the rotation speed, the water flow, or fabric brushing oragitation.

The embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 also illustrate a stain removing device104 with a curved opening or orifice 152. One advantage of a curvedorifice 152 is that water flow close to a stain and surface of a stainedfabric that is close to the blades 120 is increased when a helicoidagitator 136 is used, or more generally if the water moves in a circularmanner in a stain removing device's enclosure 116.

It is noted that a water inlet 108 and water outlet 112 may bepositioned relative to the axis of rotation or shaft 128 of an agitator136 in various ways. To illustrate, FIG. 1 shows a water inlet 108 thatis perpendicular to the agitator's axis of rotation. This increases therotation speed on a straight blade turbine. FIG. 5 shows an embodimentwith a water inlet 108 and water outlet 112 parallel to the enclosure116 and the agitator's shaft 128 and axis of rotation.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the stain removing device 104 with adual compartment enclosure 116. A turbine compartment 716 contains aturbine 708 comprising one or more blades 712 attached to a rotatablymounted shaft 732 that creates movement with water flow received via awater inlet 108. An agitator compartment 720 that contains a rotatablymounted agitator 136 comprising one or more blades or brushes 724 thatrub a stained fabric. The turbine compartment 716 may be smaller thanthe second compartment 720. The water inlet 108 and water outlet 112 maybe arranged to maximize water flow speed in the turbine compartment 716while allowing some water to flow on the stained fabric in the agitatorcompartment 720, without filling the agitator compartment. One or moresmall holes 728 may be formed in the turbine compartment 716 to spraywater on the stained fabric and into the agitator compartment 720. Asmall hole 728 may have a nozzle that directs water spray.

In operation, water from a water source flows into the turbinecompartment 716 via a water inlet 108. The water speed in the turbinecompartment 716 is maximized to create movement in the agitatorcompartment 720, where an agitator 136, which shaft 128 is connected tothe turbine shaft 732, rubs the fabric and generates water movement. Theturbine compartment 716 is typically not in contact with a stainedfabric. The agitator compartment 720 is where the cleaning occurs withan agitator 136 propelled by the turbine 708. Detents, such as disclosedabove, may be at the interior of each compartment 716, 720 to rotatablymount the turbine 708 and agitator 136.

Detergent may be positioned along the water path in such a way that thewater reaching the fabric contains some detergent, such as via adetergent compartment as described above. An agitator compartment 720will typically not fill with water during cleaning because its wateroutlet 112 is large enough to prevent water from accumulating. Partialfilling of the agitator compartment 720 allows the agitator 136 thereinto spin faster than it would in an enclosure 116 or compartment filledwith water. Therefore, higher fabric rubbing speed is generated forcleaning purposes.

Operation of an exemplary stain removing device will now be describedwith regard to the flow diagram of FIG. 8. At a decision step 804, ifsufficient detergent is not present (such as in a detergentcompartment), detergent may be added at a step 808. If sufficientdetergent is present, the stain of a fabric may be positioned at anorifice of the stain removing device at a step 812.

At a step 816, the orifice may be enclosed or capped, such as with acover. As described above, a cover may be pushed onto or otherwiseattached at the orifice to enclose the orifice. At a step 820, a waterinlet may be connected to a water source, such as a faucet or tap. Thismay occur by inserting a distal end of the water inlet into the outletof the water source. Typically, the stain removing device will be usedat a sink to allow water exiting its water outlet to drain into thesink. Optionally however, it is contemplated that a water outlet may beconnected to a drain.

At a step 824, water flow may be started, such as by activating oropening the water source. Water then flows into the enclosure via thewater inlet and propels the agitator (or turbine) therein. As describedabove, an agitator will typically be rotatably mounted inside theenclosure. The agitator creates a regular water flow tangent to thestained fabric and may also rub the fabric gently by its rotation.Depending on the specific embodiment, an agitator may have one of thesetwo functions, or both. If the agitator is to rub the stained fabric,its blades will typically be made of a soft flexible material with asize or shape to engage the stained fabric. Both water flow and fabricrubbing may contribute to an efficient cleaning action.

At a step 828, water flow may be stopped, such as by deactivating orclosing the water source. The water flow may be stopped after apredetermined period, such as after 3 minutes of cleaning, or may bestopped as desired by a user. At a step 832, the cover may be removed torelease the now cleaned fabric. Thereafter, the fabric may be dried at astep 836. Since the cover provides a seal with the enclosure, the fabricwill typically dry quickly in that only a limited portion of the fabricwill become wet during the cleaning process. It is noted that if, afterreleasing the fabric, the fabric is not cleaned to a user'ssatisfaction, the cleaning process may be repeated one or moreadditional times, such as by starting at step 804 or step 812 of theprocess.

Various other embodiments are contemplated as well. For instance, inanother embodiment, the enclosure is made of two approximately equalsize halves, and a stained fabric is captured between two similarvolumes of water during cleaning. A water outlet of the first half mayfeed into the water inlet of the second half to create a continuous flowof water around the stained fabric without relying solely on the waterflowing through the stained fabric, from one side to the other. In suchembodiment, each half of the enclosure may comprise a broad and looseplastic mesh or other permeable surface very close to the stainedfabric, to hold the fabric generally in place during cleaning. Theenclosure halves can also contain some light plastic balls that willmove with the water flow and create some mechanical movement around thestained fabric when they gently bump into the fabric. This contributesto cleaning efficiency.

In another embodiment, a battery powered electric motor may be includedand used to assist turbine or agitator rotation, and therefore increasethe cleaning efficiency. The motor may be switched on and off by a user,or automatically controlled by the detection of water, the closure ofthe enclosure or both. It is noted that the device may be constructed invarious sizes to achieve various cleaning areas, such as of a squareinch or less or even above 10 square inches.

FIGS. 9-14 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a stain removing device104 that is not propelled by a water source. Referring to FIG. 9, thestain removing device 104 may comprise an enclosure 908 and a cover 904.Both the enclosure 908 and cover 904 may be hollow. The cover 904 mayhave a top end 916 and a bottom end, with the bottom end being insertedinto an orifice 920 of the enclosure 908 when the stain removing device104 is assembled. As can be seen, the cover 904 may be sized such thatit fits into the orifice 920 to cover and generally enclose theenclosure 908.

Referring to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the enclosure 908 may comprisea closed end 1016 and an orifice 920 opposite the closed end, and willtypically be formed from a flexible or soft material such as rubber orTPE, that can be depressed or otherwise distorted when pressed orotherwise engaged. As can be seen, the enclosure 908 may be dome shapedin some embodiments.

A ledge 1008 may be in the enclosure 908 to prevent a cover 904 frombeing inserted beyond a particular point (i.e., beyond the ledge). Aledge 1008 may also contribute to the water tightness between anenclosure 908 and its cover 904 in that a seal may be formed between theledge 1008 and the bottom end of an inserted cover. The ledge may bewide enough to present a flat surface where cover 904 can rest.

A detergent compartment 1004 may be inside the enclosure. As can beseen, the detergent compartment 1004 may comprise a hollow cylinderwhere pellet, liquid or other detergent may be placed. In the embodimentof FIG. 10, the detergent compartment 1004 is formed with helicoidsprings. Some detergent can escape the detergent compartment 1004through the spaces between the springs during cleaning. It is noted thatthe detergent compartment 1004 may alternatively be formed as a solidstructure, such as if helicoid springs are not used.

Referring to FIG. 11, a cap 1104 may be provided to enclose thedetergent compartment 1004. The cap 1104 may be attached to a top edge1012 of the detergent compartment 1004 to hold detergent within thedetergent compartment. A cap 1104 may be attached in various ways. Forinstance, it is contemplated that a cap 1104 may be threaded and screwedonto the top of a detergent compartment 1004. A cap 1104 may also oralternatively be attached via a hinge, clip or with other mechanisms.

A cap 1104 may comprise holes 1108 to let detergent out of its detergentcompartment 1004 during cleaning. The holes 1108 may also facilitatecirculation of water and detergent in and out of a detergent compartment1004. A cap's upper surface may also or alternatively comprise severalsmall bumps, balls or other protrusions 1112 that rub a stained fabricto create mechanical movement and pressure changes for cleaningpurposes.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the top end 916 of a cover 904. Ascan be seen, the top end 916 may be enclosed, such as with a panel 1208or the like. The panel 1208 will typically include one or more waterinlets 1204 and may be inset below the edge of the top end 916 to makeit easier to pour water into the water inlets without spilling. Thewater inlets 1204 may be openings that are wide enough to let water inwhen poured into stain removing device, but narrow enough to keep waterfrom splashing out during operation. A bottom edge 1212 of the cover 904may be inserted into an enclosure to assemble the stain removing device,such as shown in FIG. 9.

A bottom detail view illustrating the bottom end 1220 of the cover 904is also shown in FIG. 12. As can be seen, the bottom edge 1212 may bevarious widths or have an inward extending rim or ledge. One or morecircular ridges 1216 may be at the bottom edge 1212 of a cover 904 tocreate circular pressure points around a stain, to further limit theamount of water moving away from the washing area, into the fabric, bycapillarity action. The ridges may have various shapes and sizes, suchas a thin triangular shape (from a cross sectional perspective) suchthat their point of contact with the fabric is a thin circle. A cover904 will typically also provide a cavity 1224 between its top end 916and bottom end 1220. Water is contained within the cavity 1224 duringcleaning operations.

As stated with regard to FIG. 10, the bottom edge 1212 may engage aledge 1008 within the enclosure 908 when assembling the stain removingdevice. It is contemplated that a gasket, O-ring or other seal may be atthe bottom edge 1212 to help seal the cover and enclosure when the stainremoving device is assembled. Alternatively or in addition, a gasket,O-ring or other seal may be at the ledge. One or more groove may beformed to hold a seal in place.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view illustrating how elements of the stainremoving device and a stained fabric 1304 may be arranged for operation.As can be seen, the stain 1308 may be positioned such that it isadjacent the cap 1104. When the stain removing device is assembled, suchas by inserting the cover 904 into the orifice 920 of the enclosure 908,the stained fabric 1304 is captured between the bottom edge 1212 of thecover 904 and the ledge 1008 of the enclosure 908.

Water tightness around the stain 1308, which prevents additional areasof the fabric 1304 from becoming wet, may be ensured by pressure of thebottom edge 1212 against the ledge 1008. As stated, a gasket, O-ring orother seal around bottom edge 1212 may also be provided, such as in agroove, to improve water tightness and reduce friction on the fabric1304. Once closed around the stain 1308, the enclosure 908 and its cover908 keeps water from wetting a larger area than the section that isenclosed in the stain removing device. This is advantageous in that itimproves drying time for the fabric 1304.

It can also be seen from FIG. 13, that detergent 1312 may be placedwithin the detergent compartment 1004 that is enclosed by a cap 1104. Asdescribed above, a cap 1104 may have one or more holes 1108, protrusions1112 or both to aid with detergent and water mixing and agitation whichimproves cleaning. When the stain removing device is assembled, the cap1104 may be adjacent the stain 1308.

Operation of an exemplary stain removing device that is not propelled bya water source will now be described with regard to the flow diagram ofFIG. 14. At a decision step 1404, if insufficient detergent is in thestain removing device, such as in its detergent compartment, detergentmay be added at a step 1408. A detergent compartment may be opened toadd detergent and closed thereafter to enclose the detergentcompartment.

If sufficient detergent is present, at a step 1412, the stained area ofa fabric may be positioned at an orifice of the enclosure. At a step1416, the orifice of the enclosure may be covered, such as by insertinga cover into the orifice. As described above, this captures the fabricbetween the enclosure and the cover, namely between the bottom edge ofthe cover and the ledge of the enclosure. At a step 1420, water may beadded, such as by pouring water into one or more water inlets of thecover. Typically, the stain removing device will only be partiallyfilled with water. It is noted that, if effervescent detergent is used,the water will activate the detergent causing it to release gas andcleaning solution.

As can be seen, the stain removing device may contain the stained areaof the fabric, water and detergent. The water inlets allow the stainremoving device to receive water and also allow air and gas circulationinto and out of the stain removing device during cleaning. At a step1424, the resilient portion of the enclosure may be actuated, such as bygently tapping the stain removing device against a flat surface, causingthe detergent compartment 1004 and cap 1104 to move up and down. Thewater inlets are large enough to allow air and gas circulation when thedetergent compartment 1004 and cap 1104 are moving up and down, butsmall enough to keep the water from splashing out of the stain removingdevice.

The cap may come into contact with the fabric during actuation of theresilient portion. As describe above, the cap is designed to createfriction and water circulation around and through the fabric and stainto improve cleaning. The cap may include one or more holes, protrusionsor both for such purposes. The holes also permit detergent in thedetergent compartment to mix with water and exit the detergentcompartment. It is contemplated that a cap may also or alternativelyinclude one or more brushes.

The resilient portion may be pushed or tapped against a hard surface toactuate the resilient portion. As the resilient portion is pushed inwardor engaged, it bends and pushes the detergent compartment and cap upwardtowards the fabric. The cap then contacts the fabric and creates watercirculation and changes in local pressure. This induced water anddetergent movement contribute to the cleaning of the stain from thefabric. Since the resilient portion is formed from a resilient material,it will return to its original shape or configuration, thereby movingthe detergent compartment and cap back downward away from the fabric.Actuation may continue by pushing or tapping the resilient portioninward once again.

It is noted that, in some embodiments, vertical motion created byactuation of a resilient portion, such as by a user deforming, pushingin or otherwise engaging the resilient portion, may be converted to somerotational movement of the cap, water, detergent or various subsetsthereof. Referring to FIG. 10, rotation can be achieved using adetergent compartment 1004 comprising helicoid springs. The springs maybe coiled around a main revolution axis of the stain removing device. Asthe springs are compressed, they drive the cap into a rotationalmovement that increases rubbing of stained fabric and therefore helpswith cleaning.

Actuation may continue for a predetermined period of time or as desiredby a user. Water may be removed or drained at a step 1428. This mayoccur by turning the stain removing device upside down, causing thefluid therein to pour out of the water inlets at the top of the cover.Alternatively, it is contemplated that the cover may be removed and theremaining fluid therein poured out.

At a step 1432, the cover may be removed, such as by removing the coverfrom the enclosure's orifice, to release the fabric. The fabric may bedried at a step 1436. Since the stain removing device limits wetting ofadditional areas of the fabric, drying time will be reduced. Ifadditional cleaning is desired, the cleaning process may be repeated oneor more additional times, such as by returning to step 1404 or step1412.

Various other embodiments are contemplated as well. For instance, in oneembodiment, the stain removing device may comprise a horizontal grid ormesh right above the enclosure's ledge to counter the pressure of thepiston, and prevent excessive bending of a stained fabric. In operation,the cap squeezes the stained fabric against this grid every time itactuated upward. This pressure replicates the batting method used acentury ago when washing machines did not exist.

In another embodiment, a spring may be attached between the detergentcompartment and the cap. The movement itself is still generated by theuser in such embodiment. In another embodiment, the detergentcompartment and cap may be a single part removably attached to aresilient portion of the enclosure. For instance, a proximal end of thedetergent compartment may snap or clip into a groove in the resilientportion. The detergent compartment and cap may be removed from theresilient potion to place detergent therein, and then be reattached tothe resilient portion for use.

In another embodiment, a battery powered electric motor may be used toactuate the resilient portion. This motor may either be switched on andoff by the user, or automatically controlled by the detection of water,the closure of the enclosure or both. In such embodiments, a user neednot move the device to perform the cleaning. The motor may also beactivated by a user generated vertical movement, be used to rotate thecap to improve cleaning or both.

The stain removing device will typically be sized such that the area tobe cleaned is a few square inches. However smaller or larger versions ofthe stain removing device can be made to obtain cleaning areas of asquare inch or less or even above ten square inches. Also, the stainremoving device may be constructed from low cost plastics in one or moreembodiments. The parts of the stain removing device are generallymechanically simple and easy to manufacture. This provides a low cost ofmanufacturing allowing the stain removing device to be disposable in oneor more embodiments.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stain removing device comprising: an enclosureformed from one or more resilient materials and comprising: an orifice;a closed end opposite the orifice; and a detergent compartment attachedto the closed end; and a cover comprising: a top end; a bottom end; andone or more water inlets at the top end; wherein at least the bottom endof the cover has a peripheral shape that corresponds to the orifice. 2.The stain removing device of claim 1, wherein the detergent compartmentis enclosed with a cap, the cap comprising one or more holes and one ormore protrusions.
 3. The stain removing device of claim 1, wherein thedetergent compartment comprises one or more helicoid springs.
 4. Thestain removing device of claim 1 further comprising a ledge in theenclosure.
 5. The stain removing device of claim 1 further comprising apermeable wall at the orifice.
 6. The stain removing device of claim 1,wherein the closed end is dome shaped.
 7. The stain removing device ofclaim 1 further comprising a wall around the one or more water inlets.8. A stain removing device comprising: a resilient enclosure comprisingan orifice and a closed end; a detergent compartment within theenclosure and attached to the closed end; a cap at the detergentcompartment; and a cover that encloses the orifice, wherein the cover isremovable from the orifice.
 9. The stain removing device of claim 8further comprising one or more holes in the cap.
 10. The stain removingdevice of claim 8 further comprising one or more protrusions extendingfrom the cap.
 11. The stain removing device of claim 8, wherein thedetergent compartment comprises one or more helicoid springs.
 12. Thestain removing device of claim 8, wherein the cover comprises one ormore water inlets.
 13. The stain removing device of claim 8 furthercomprising a ledge along an interior wall of the enclosure.
 14. Thestain removing device of claim 8, wherein the closed end is dome shaped.15. A method of removing a stain with a stain removing devicecomprising: positioning a stained area of a fabric at an orifice of aresilient enclosure of the stain removing device, wherein the enclosurecomprises a closed end; enclosing the orifice of the enclosure with acover, wherein the fabric is held between the cover and a portion theenclosure; pouring water into one or more water inlets of the cover; andactuating the resilient portion of the enclosure, wherein actuating theclosed end moves a detergent compartment towards and away from thestained area of the fabric.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thefabric is held between a bottom edge of the cover and a ledge of theenclosure when the orifice of the enclosure is enclosed with the cover.17. The method of claim 15 further comprising pouring the water out ofthe water inlets after actuating the closed end of the enclosure. 18.The method of claim 15 further comprising opening the detergentcompartment and adding detergent into the detergent compartment.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the detergent compartment comprises a caphaving one or more holes and one or more protrusions.
 20. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the detergent compartment comprises one or morehelicoid springs.